Water quality is a critical environmental and societal challenge posing urgent challenges for ecosystems, human health and sustainable development. Anthropogenic drivers such as agricultural intensification, urbanisation, industrial activity and climate change are intensifying pressures on aquatic systems, leading to nutrient enrichment and eutrophication, sediment and contaminant loading, and emerging pollutants. Conventional management approaches are often inadequate, prompting growing recognition of the potential of innovative methods and nature-based solutions to deliver cost-effective, resilient and multifunctional alternatives.
This session provides a platform for research that advances the concepts, design, implementation, and evaluation of solutions to water quality challenges. We welcome contributions on nature-based interventions, integrated catchment management and restoration projects, alongside novel approaches leveraging new technology, modelling and data-driven decision support. Interdisciplinary case studies and work that considers the policy, governance, and community dimensions of implementing these solutions and mainstreaming nature-based solutions are particularly welcome. By bringing together science, practice and policy, the session aims to identify pathways towards more sustainable and inclusive water quality management.